CHAPTER 003
1214 Words
CHAPTER 003
ISADORA’S POV
Isadora's fingers gripped her dress as if it might slip away as she continued to shift on the backseat of the sleek, long, black car.
The leather was too soft. Costly. This level of luxury was unfamiliar to her.
Renan sat beside her as if he was completely unconcerned. Carelessly, he tossed his arm over the back of the seat, his smirk and sharp jaw gleaming gold in the city lights.
Why had she come here at all?
One evening. That was the agreement.
One evening, she pretended to be someone she was obviously not.
And yet here she was, wearing a silver dress that shimmered and likely cost more than the rent on her apartment. Her skin itched from the diamonds around her neck. The idea of wearing something that didn't belong on someone like her was unsettling, but not in a literal sense.
This idea is foolish. So foolish.
"What's causing your tension again?" With a smile as smooth as butter on hot toast, Renan looked in her direction. Didn't we discuss this earlier? Isadora, all you have to do is breathe.
She brushed invisible lint from her lap and muttered, "Easy for you to say." You told me you needed a normal person. Someone typical.
Her hands shot upward toward the glistening cloth. "Do you think I look normal?"
"I think I will marry you."
She stopped talking after that.
He hesitated, then leaned forward a little— a moment of hesitation on his face that vanished in an instant. "I nearly forgot something crucial."
He reached into his suit's inside pocket. He produced a box. tiny. Dark. Trim the edges. He used one hand to open it.
Isadora gave a blink. Was that...?
"A ring?" Her voice broke.
Before she could object, he put the glittering band on her finger. It was too snug. It was as if it were custom-made for her. Like stars set in metal, tiny sapphires and diamonds glinted back at her.
"Whoa."
With a hint of smugness now, he asked, "You like it?" That's excellent. It aids in the overall sale.
He tilted his head toward the window before she could reply. And now we are. "Home, sweet home."
"Home?" she asked again, her eyes wide.
He wasn't kidding.
The neighborhood seemed to exist independently. At least ten cars were approaching from behind, with the entire front illuminated. There were black-suited drivers, tuxedo-clad guests, and gowns that glistened like sea foam.
"This is a mansion," she said in a tremulous whisper. "This is a hotel, a museum, or something else entirely!"
The car door was opened by Renan. "It's too late to turn back now."
She accepted his hand when he extended it because she had nowhere else to go.
Startled by the barrage of camera flashes, she leaned toward him as her heels struck the pavement. Like she was royalty, he led her up the stairs and waved at people she couldn't see.
A man bowed and said, "Welcome back, Mestre and Senhora."
He wore a well-fitting suit and had keen green eyes.
The man moved between Isadora and Renan and took her hand tenderly before she could blink.
"I would appreciate it if you could accompany me, Senhora. I have to show you something.
Renan gave a slight nod, and in an instant, the only person she knew began to escort her away.
"Who are you? "Wait." As they began to ascend the stairs, she asked softly.
A slight turn of his head revealed a courteous smile. "I apologize. Raí is my name. Tonight, I will serve as your personal butler.
She gave him a wink. "But why would I need—" I'm only here for one night.
Raí waved a finger at her and said, "Be careful." "Walls can hear." Additionally, I would hate for someone to overhear something unexpected.
God, please. I've already made a mistake. She looked down at the plush carpet.
"I apologize."
"There's no need to apologize," Raí said kindly. "Now, before we go back downstairs, would you like a brief overview of what to expect?"
Isadora stiffened. His voice was soft, as if they were conspirators, and he had leaned in. She took a reflexive step back.
"I believed that I should just be myself."
He nodded and said, "That's part of it." "But knowing who you're playing for is helpful."
"What do you mean?"
He lowered his voice and said, "There are three." "You'll recognize them when you see them." They won't fit in. They'll track you down. They will pursue you individually or as a group.
"And?"
Remain true to the narrative Renan provided you. Don't stray. Nod, smile, and move on. They will test you rigorously.
"Who are they?" Her heart pounding, she asked.
"Important. Risky. You would rather not let them down.
"What sort of gathering is this?"
Raí grinned. "A critical one."
"If that's what you're worried about, I don't get star-struck," she whispered. "All that celebrity stuff doesn't appeal to me."
"All right. You will then succeed.
A fresh voice pierced the corridor.
"What's in here?"
Startled, Isadora turned. A tall man with folded arms leaned against the doorway. Just as smooth as Renan, but colder, he looked like trouble.
Raí's face turned sour. Shouldn't you be downstairs with the guests, Rafael?
Grinned. And missed your brief side meeting? No way. You never pull away from women. What makes this one so unique?
Isadora's eyebrows went up. "Is it not possible for us to discuss me as if I were invisible?"
"I'm sorry," Raí said hastily.
Don't call me Senhora, either. Isadora is my name.
"I can't," Raí said, sounding almost dejected. "You understand why."
“Isadora,” Rafael said again, smiling. "Good." I already like her. Would you like a tour? I'm much more entertaining than Raí.
Raí yelled, "She's not going with you."
Rafael rolled his eyes.
"Why is he even aware of my identity?" Isadora jabbed Rafael with her thumb as she questioned Ra.
Raí whispered, "He's Renan's best friend." "For reasons I'll never comprehend."
Rafael extended his hand once more. "Allow me to return you. You'll adore the model that Renan is attempting to win over. If you know you met him, it will make the story better. Believe me.
“How?” she frowned.
"It lends credibility to everything."
"Thanks," she said firmly. "I'll figure things out on my own."
Rafael chuckled softly. You have a point. I honor that.
Raí took a small step forward. "Call me if something doesn't feel right. I'll track you down, wherever you may be. Simply say my name.
"I'll be all right," she said.
She wasn't positive about that.
Music floated up from the main floor as they descended again. Laughter. There are glasses clinking in the air. Underneath, there is a strain. A strain. As if they were all waiting for something to go wrong.
As Isadora entered the crowd along the archway, her heart was racing.
Spotlights flickered. Designer-suit-wearing men turned to stare. The women immediately assessed her with their unwavering clarity.
Amidst the chaos, Renan was presiding over a group of twelve powerful individuals.
His eyes didn't quite meet his smile when he saw her.
Her heartbeat quickened.
Go for it.
- Writer
